Situated near the mouth of the Salmon River at the extreme head of the funnel-shaped Bay of Fundy, the small town of Truro experiences the highest tides in the world (normally around 15m (49ft) but reaching heights of up to 21m (69ft) at spring tides).
Today Truro is a highly industrialized town with agricultural and teacher training colleges.
Truro, or "Cobéquid" as its Acadian inhabitants called it, was first settled in the 17th C. When the Acadians were deported in the mid-18th C they were replaced by incoming settlers from Northern Ireland. These were later joined by Loyalists from New Hampshire (in the US) and new immigrants from Scotland.
The Colchester Historical Museum is housed in the old Science Building of the Provincial Normal College, built in 1900-01. Human and natural history are displayed including maps, cemetery records, photographs and historical documents.
From Truro it is possible to combine drives by car to the Northumberland Strait and the Minas Basin (coal mining district) in a very pleasant circular tour.
Minas Basin encompasses portions of the Bay of Fundy, known of course for the extremely high tides.
From Truro follow Highway 2 westwards for about 100km (60mi). The road runs along the north side of the Minas Basin, crossing the slopes of the Cobequid Mountains to Parrsboro. Here, in addition to the impressive tides which characterize this arm of the Bay of Fundy, agates and amethysts can also be found.
The twice daily tidal bore on the River Salmon makes a marvelous natural spectacle. The river level can rise a meter in just five minutes and reaches high water mark (15m (49ft)) within an hour. The phenomenon is particularly dramatic at spring tides when the water can rise as high as 21m (69ft). These huge tides are responsible for some very striking coastal scenery in the Truro area.
The several hundred ha (ac) Victoria Park is a favorite place to relax in Truro, retaining something of the wild with its delightful little streams and romantic ravines. People also come to swim, jog and picnic.
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